How to Pray when in Doubt
When something goes awry in my life I can be quick to dwell on that one moment instead of reminding myself of God’s goodness. Just because hardships arise does not mean God stopped being good for a brief moment in time. Matt 6:34
In studying the Old Testament of the Bible, I have been particularly drawn to how relatable many of the passages about the Israelites and the Promise Land are to our times today.
The Israelites, slaves for countless years felt abandoned and alone. Enter Moses. With the power of God at his side, Moses freed the Israelites and there was much rejoicing. Then came the journey. The road got rough and time and again, the Israelites would complain. They would question God and demand Moses to plead to God to change things for them.
God provided Manna, shelter, health and energy to endure the lengthy trip. Heck, God parted a body of water to get these people to safety and yet it seemed as if His promises weren’t good enough for them. Every difficult situation equated to a doubtful heart. They doubted God would rescue them. They doubted God loved them. They doubted He could provide.
Psalm 107 is a lovely summarization:
‘Some wandered in the desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and He delivered them from their distress.’
v. 4-6
And that’s just 2 verses. Kinda sounds like me. I sit in the hardship and doubt. When the boys are disobeying, or the transmission in the minivan goes out, or a friend loses a child, I don’t always instantly turn to Him in prayer. No, sometimes I’m quicker to question His goodness.
But when the Israelites turned to Him, cried out to Him, He answered them. So when I am near doubt, I turn to Him in prayer. And I’m not saying you can’t question God. He already knows our hearts, so if we have a question we should surely ask, though we may not always like the answer.
A prayer for your doubting heart:
God, I know you’re good but I’m having a hard time right now. Help me submit to your spirit. Help me to trust that my way is not the best way. You have not turned away from me so I ask that you would provide comfort for me during this trial. I ask that you would give me endurance to run this race. Thank you God for the good that you have given me (list some) and show me in your timing the good out of this situation. Amen.
Despite what’s been happening in the world over the last year, God has not forgotten His people. Regardless of what has happened in your own life, He has not abandoned you. He is still good and He can still bring good out of any situation. Out of rape, He brought forth an advocate who has helped numerous victims come to Jesus and gain salvation. Out of an abusive marriage, He brought a family to reconciliation and a relationship with Christ. Out of financial calamity, He presented wise council to help with budgeting and assistance with debt. Out of infidelity, He made a space for a woman to confront her inner demons and find reconciliation with her spouse in a now open and honest marriage.
These are just a FEW stories I’ve heard over the years of the ways in which God can make good out of bad. It may not happen immediately, but there is never a need to doubt God. He is good.
Photo by Benn McGuinness on Unsplash
